Maziarz: First of its kind solar legislation passed through Senate

Press release

State
Sen. George Maziarz, R-C-Newfane, has announced legislation he
championed in the Senate was passed Tuesday. This legislation, Senate
bill 2522, has two primary purposes.

First,
in order to drive more solar installations in New York, this
legislation takes the NY-Sun program and cements it into law. The
implementation of the NY-SUN program would guarantee a 10-year state
investment out of the renewable portfolio standard program at the
level of $146 million every year over 10 years. This program will
create nearly 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, drive more than $7
billion in economic activities, and produce 2,200 megawatts of clean
solar energy-enough to power 400,000 homes.

Second,
it seeks to drive investment in manufacturing by providing a
substantial tax credit aimed at attracting a solar or energy storage
equipment manufacturer to the state of New York. The credit would be
capped at $25 million and would include support for manufacturing as
well as research and development activities, and would require that
any recipient support at least 100 full-time jobs.

"I
can think of no better way to honor Earth Day then by the passage of
this legislation," said Maziarz, chairman of the Senate Energy and
Telecommunications Committee and prime sponsor of this legislation.
"By adopting this bill, New York will create jobs, protect the
environment and become a national leader in solar energy. In fact,
this is the first time a major solar incentive program has passed in
either the Senate or Assembly in New York."

Maziarz
said that, beyond the creation of jobs, the increase in usage of
solar energy will go a long way in decreasing emissions across the
board. It is estimated that, as a result of the passage of this
legislation, there will be reductions of 1.5 million tons of Co2,
51.6 tons of mercury, 14,200 tons of nitrous oxide, and 28,800 tons
of sulfur dioxide.

"This
bill does so much for the current and future of energy alternatives
in this state, and I am extremely pleased that it was passed today,"
Maziarz said Tuesday. "This bill has 27 bipartisan co-sponsors in
the Senate alongside great support from a wide-range of
organizations. I am excited for the future of the solar industry in
this state, as it will elevate New York as a national leader, all
while assisting in climate control and driving economic development."

"NY-BEST
congratulates Sen. Maziarz on the NYS Senate's passage today of his
bill, S.2522. By establishing tax credits to qualified manufacturers
of energy storage technologies in New York state, the bill would
implement one of the major recommendations of NY-BEST's 'Roadmap for
Energy Storage' and further strengthen New York's position as a
leader in energy storage," said Dr. William Acker, executive
director of NY-BEST, on Tuesday. "These technologies, which include
advanced batteries and related devices, are transforming the way the
electricity grid and transportation systems operate worldwide. We are
thankful to Sen. Maziarz for his support and leadership on behalf of
the energy storage industry, and for his recognition of the valuable
energy, economic and environmental benefits of these technologies."

"At
a time when the state faces the dual challenges of an economy still
in recovery and failing energy infrastructure, this solar bill can
help build a stronger New York," said Peter Olmsted, east coast
policy advocate for Vote Solar. "We thank bill sponsor Sen. Maziarz
and his colleagues for their leadership and look forward to working
with the Assembly to get the New York solar bill across the finish
line."

"NY-Sun
is delivering on its promise to jumpstart the solar industry in the
Empire State: attracting private sector investment, creating local
jobs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from
the electric sector," said Jackson Morris, director of strategic
engagement at the Pace Energy & Climate Center. "Thanks to
the leadership of Sen. Maziarz, today's Senate vote moves us a
critical step closer to a long-term solar program that will keep
driving down costs and maximizing benefits to New Yorkers."

This
legislation, currently co-sponsored by Assemblyman Englebright and a
number of other bipartisan Assembly members, is currently referred to
the Assembly Energy Committee.